Responses by the United States Government to International Human Rights Abuses

Date

2014-12

Authors

Adams, Abigail D.

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Abstract

The questions of why and how the US responds to international human rights abuses are complex and multifaceted. Policy decisions regarding Nigeria, North Korea, and Syria all condemn abuses and demand that those responsible stop their actions. However, enforcing those demands is another matter. The three case studies show that specific human rights policies cannot exist outside of other political and diplomatic considerations. Terrorism, nuclear concerns, and regional stability all affect US interests and overshadow human rights questions. Moreover, respect for human rights cannot be forced on a government from the outside, and US sanctions do little when governments are not interested the well-being of their citizens. Promoting stability and democracy worldwide is the best way to promote human rights. Additionally, aiding refugees and giving aid wherever possible is the best way to realistically fulfill the international responsibly to protect and advance universal human rights.

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Keywords

Human rights, North Korea, Syria, Nigeria

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